Assigned reading for MLIS 7421: Multicultural Youth Literature.

I don't read a lot of MG contemporary, and especially not books that are on the younger end of the MG age range, but I was assigned to read this one for my class. I probably never would've thought to pick it up otherwise, but I'm so glad I read it, as it was absolutely adorable. Cilla's narrative is hilarious in the way that only the zaniest 8-year-olds can be, and her family and friends are lovable, yet flawed and surprisingly complex characters. The illustrations are precious, and all in all, this was a delightful read.

Underneath the cuteness and humor, there are also some very important discussions, such as the fact that Cilla is constantly being asked "what" she is as a biracial child; she establishes the fact that it hurts her feelings to be prodded and questioned because of her features, which is something that I think not only will biracial children understand, but will also help children who are not biracial empathize with their friends and hopefully avoid asking these same uncomfortable, prying questions.